Images Victoria, TX: 2009

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2009 | imagesvictoria.com | video vignettes TM

victoria, texas

ON THE WAY TO ANYWHERE Roads to four major metros pass through here

OLDEST LITTLE DELI IN TEXAS

Charmed, I’m Sure One hundred historic buildings grace National Register list

sponsored by the victoria chamber of commerce

2009 EDITION | VOLUME 1 TM

VICTORIA, TEXAS

CO NTE NT S F E ATU R E S 18 CHARMED, I’M SURE With more than 100 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, Victoria’s past is very much its vibrant, colorful present – and its future.

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24 ON THE WAY TO ANYWHERE Centrally located at the convergence of three highways, Victoria sits within a two-hour drive of Austin, Corpus Christi, Houston and San Antonio.

28 OLDEST LITTLE DELI IN TEXAS A lunchtime legend among locals, Fossati’s Delicatessen remains family-run after more than 125 years in business.

30 A NEW OLD COURTHOUSE The 19th-century Victoria County Courthouse has undergone major renovations in recent years.

56 VENUE TAKES CENTER STAGE Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts blends state-of-the-art facilities with an intimate, small-town vibe.

Inside:

MERIDIAN MARKETING SPECIAL SECTION

ON THE COVER Photo by J. Kyle Keener The J.D. Mitchell House was built in 1892.

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VICTORIA , TEX AS

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VICTORIA BUSINESS 36 Incredible Infrastructure Victoria attracts new industries with its central location and skilled workforce.

38 Biz Briefs 43 Chamber Report 45 Economic Profile

D E PA R TM E NT S 14 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Victoria culture

30 Portfolio: people, places and events that define Victoria

47 Image Gallery 52 Education 54 Sports & Recreation 59 Health & Wellness 61 Community Profile: facts, stats and important numbers to know

This magazine is printed entirely or in part on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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imagesvictoria.com THE DEFINITIVE RELOCATION RESOURCE

What’s On Online nllin

THIS PLACE IS WILD Learn more about the menagerie of animals living at the Texas Zoo, from jaguars, monkeys and boa constrictors to a collection of Texas natives. Watch this and other quick videos in the Interactive section.

RELOCATION Considering a move to this community? We can help. Use our Relocation Tools to discover tips, including how to make your move green, advice about moving pets and help with booking movers.

PHOTOS We’ve added even more prize-winning photography to our online gallery. To see these spectacular photos, click on Photo Gallery.

FACTS & STATS Go online to learn even more about: • Schools • Health care • Utilities • Parks • Taxes

LOCAL FLAVOR The century-old Fossati’s Delicatessen still serves up delicious homemade soups, sandwiches and more. Get a taste of local flavor in our food section.

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Images gives readers a taste of what makes Victoria tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts. “Find the good – and praise it.”

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– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

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The Ultimate Pig-Out Bach and Forth An astounding sounding festival occurs in Victoria each June. The Victoria Bach Festival was founded in 1976, and the four-day event features symphonic, chamber and choral works. Every period of music is represented, with an emphasis on the baroque. Talented musicians from Texas and throughout the United States perform the works of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and other composers. The festival was named “a Texas treasure” by National Public Radio, and the Texas Commission on the Arts has included the festival among its Top Ten Hot Summer Events.

Many cities in Texas are known for great barbecue, and Victoria certainly ranks high on the hog. It is home to Mumphord’s Place Restaurant and Uncle Mutt’s Barbeque Co. Catering. In addition, there’s Country Catering & Bar-B-Que as well as Aunt Jo’s BBQ, which serves boneless pork, brisket, chicken, spare ribs and smoked sausage. Meanwhile, Texas Drive Inn has two locations in Victoria. Besides its barbecue items, the menu also includes catfish, Mexican food, steaks and Texas burgers.

Inspired by Royston Royston Nave was an artist from Victoria who achieved success as a portrait painter. The Nave Museum on West Commercial Street is a fine arts gallery that formerly showcased his works exclusively, but it now features paintings and sculptures from an array of artists. The Victoria Regional Museum Association now operates the museum and showcases a number of changing exhibits. It also has scholarly lectures, art workshops for all ages, seminars and concerts.

Art of the Matter Feeling artsy? The Victoria Art League on South Bridge Street hosts classes open to the public. There are workshops for all ages in a variety of mediums, and courses are available during the daytime and at night. Subjects include photography, sculpting, drawing, pottery, creative writing, dance and watercolor, in which students like 7-year-old Ben Arant, above, learn about color theory.

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Almanac

Fast Facts Q The Victoria Community Center, at 68,000 square feet, is the largest enclosed convention/ exhibit facility in the Golden Crescent region of southwest Texas. Q Victoria was the site of Aloe Army Air Field until 1945 and Foster Air Force Base until 1958.

Street of Ten Friends In Spanish, it is the Calle De Los Diez Amigos. Victoria founder Don Martín De León named the main street of his town in 1824, and today there is still a Street of Ten Friends in downtown Victoria. The name originated from De León entrusting 10 original citizens who conducted the main business for the town, and established matters of policy. He actually had a vivid dream one night of the 10 famous apostles (not the 12), which explains the 10 friends. A sign detailing the street’s naming origin stands today.

Grip It and Rip It Great golf is way above par in Victoria – and that’s a good thing. The city boasts three of the nicest courses in South Texas, both public and private. They are Riverside Golf Course, Colony Creek Country Club and Victoria Country Club. Riverside is a public facility in a heavily wooded, park-style setting. It features 27 holes and annually hosts events such as the Wildgame Tournament in March and the Labor Day Invitational. Colony Creek is a semi-private course built in the mid-1980s, and it winds through the Colony Creek subdivision. Victoria Country Club is a private course that hosts the annual INVISTA/DeTar Victoria Open, along with other tournaments.

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Q Victoria’s 562-acre Riverside Park is home to the Texas Zoo, which houses more than 200 species of animals and plants that are indigenous to Texas. Q Former Major League Baseball players Doug Drabek and Ron Gant are from the Victoria area, as is ex-professional wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin. Q The city is home to the University of Houston-Victoria and The Victoria College, a community college. Additionally, more than 60 colleges and universities are located within a 125-mile radius. Q Canoeing and kayaking are popular here, thanks to the new VictoriaRiverside Park Paddling Trail on the Guadalupe River.

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Now Showing in Our Video Gallery

Sit back and enjoy a preview of Victoria amenities. Explore its stunning landscapes, cultural offerings, food and fun. See its downtown, neighborhoods, parks and attractions. Experience the history, hot spots and local happenings. Victoria is rated L for Livability.

imagesvictoria.com

Almanac

Batter Up Baseball and softball fans can now root, root, root for the home team – the Jaguars – at the University of Houston-Victoria. The school welcomed its first intercollegiate athletics program in 2008 when baseball and softball debuted on campus. The UHV Jaguars began their baseball history Jan. 26, 2008, by winning a doubleheader from Laredo Community College by the scores of 8-3 and 9-6. As for the softball team, it began its sports history playing Feb. 8, 2008, at a tournament in Galveston. The team also qualified for the 2008 NAIA Region VI postseason playoffs.

Victoria | At A Glance

WATCH MORE ONLINE | Take a virtual tour of Victoria at imagesvictoria.com, courtesy of our award-winning photographers.

POPULATION (2007 ESTIMATE) Victoria: 62,246 Victoria County: 86,291 LOCATION Victoria is in southeast Texas, 30 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico and within a two-hour drive of Corpus Christi, Houston, San Antonio and Austin.

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BEGINNINGS Victoria was formally founded by Don Martín De León in 1824 and served for a short time as the capital of the Republic of the Rio Grande. Victoria is not named for Queen Victoria of Great Britain but for General Guadalupe Victoria, who became the first president of independent Mexico.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION Victoria Chamber of Commerce 3404 N. Ben Wilson St. Victoria, TX 77901 Phone: (361) 573-5277 Fax: (361) 573-5911 www.victoriachamber.org

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Progressive

Preservation CAREFUL RENOVATIONS PERPETUATE HISTORIC CHARM

STORY BY JOE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY J. KYLE KEENER

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ith more than 100 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and enough homes and businesses saved from the wrecking ball to inspire museums, walking tours and more, Victoria’s past is very much its vibrant, colorful present – and its future. As more homes within the city’s downtown area are renovated, either as private residences or for business purposes, Victoria’s historic center seems secure. And as the neighborhoods grow in diversity, they are fast becoming a draw not only for tourists but also for new dwellers. That certainly was the case for Karen Gibson, a Houston transplant and home-restoration aficionado

who owns two Victoria properties – so far. “I taught restoration, architectural history and interior design courses,” says Gibson, who owns and operates Gibson Design Inc. “Historical buildings are very important because they’re where we came from. They infuse so much f lavor and character into a neighborhood.” Having moved to Victoria following her marriage, Gibson quickly found herself in an older home near the city center. When she decided to open her business, she knew she wouldn’t have to look far. “I leased a studio in a home across from mine, then bought a home two blocks up that had sat on the market for a while,” she says. “It had a lot of

Distinctive architectural details adorn dozens of the historic downtown homes restored for both residential and business uses. More than 100 area structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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The D. H. Regan House, built in 1883, was actually constructed in the coastal city of Indianola. To avoid hurricanes, the mansion was moved by rail a few years later to its present location on South DeLe贸n Street in Victoria.

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potential. And now I am seeing people revitalizing homes for residential and for business all around here; we’re all trying, and we’re starting to see people being pulled back into downtown. We have a thriving retail business district here, and the nightlife is nothing like anywhere else in town.” Some of the larger commercial buildings are being looked at for loft and apartment spaces in combination with retail storefronts, which will further enhance the area. It’ll also add destinations for the tours put on by Victoria Preservation Inc., which has been a one-stop source about Victoria’s history since 1980. The organization gives walking and driving tours of the various historic pockets in town, in addition to offering guidance on restoration and keeping archives that include district court records, maps and photographs. “We give a lot of advice,” says Gary Dunnam, executive director of VPI. “We encourage people who are restoring to be sensitive to the original and to be sensitive to their neighbors.” In addition to its consulting work, VPI also does a brisk business with its walking and driving tour guide, which it sells through the Victoria Chamber of

The McNamara House, a Greek Revival style structure, is operated as a museum by the Victoria Regional Museum Association. Visitors can view period furniture, clothing, photographs and décor in the home, which dates to 1876.

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“Historical buildings are very important because they’re where we came from. They infuse so much flavor and character into a neighborhood.” Commerce and other local outlets. The guide includes thumbnail sketches of historic buildings and homes, as well as further histories and illustrations when available. The organization also puts on a six-home historic tour, with its own printed guide, each April. For more year-round access to history, stop by the McNamara House, an 1876 Greek Revival home-turned-museum with spots on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Texas Historic Landmarks list. The structure houses the Victoria Regional Museum Association, which also includes the Nave Museum, a gallery located just a few blocks away. “The Nave is the only fine arts museum in the Golden Crescent region, and the McNamara is the only historic house museum in Victoria,” says Denise Roussel, executive director of the association. “We’ve got the area’s cultural history through the McNamara House, and we try to tie into that with the art exhibits we have here and at the Nave. The association, which operates the O’Connor Gallery within the McNamara House, is affiliated with the Museum of the Coastal Bend at The Victoria College and the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent. “We have a real melding of art and history with our facilities,” Roussel says. “People can come here and experience history through our venues and also experience the art, so it’s a really neat blend of offerings.”

One of two Victoria structures Karen Gibson has restored, a renovated home on East Forrest Street houses her design firm and showroom.

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On the

Way to Any

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where

STORY BY MICHAELA JACKSON

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ROADS TO FOUR MAJOR TEXAS METROS PASS THROUGH THE CITY

STAFF PHOTO

or convenient access to big cities from a smaller yet amenity-rich area, look no further than Victoria. “Our elevator pitch is our location,” says Randy Vivian, president and chief executive of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “We are the right distance from everywhere.” The city of 60,000 is a regional hub situated within a two-hour drive from Austin, Corpus Christi, Houston and San Antonio. “Our location really gives us an opportunity to have those amenities that a big city has but live in an environment where we feel safe and comfortable,” Vivian says. “We can visit, but we don’t have to live there.” Within the seven-county network that comprises the Golden Crescent, Victoria is a center of retail, health care, industry and education. The city offers two national top 100 hospitals as well as a variety of national retailers and popular restaurants to serve the roughly 220,000 residents of Victoria and its surrounding communities. For students in and around the Golden Crescent, The Victoria College and the University of Houston-Victoria offer first-rate learning opportunities in a variety of disciplines. “This city provides access to higher education to a vast region that would otherwise be under served,” says Dr.

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The centrally located Victoria is called the South Texas Crossroads due to its position at the intersection of U.S. highways 59, 77 and 87.

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Tim Hudson, president of the University of Houston-Victoria, an upper-division institution that offers classes to college juniors, seniors and graduate students from throughout the region. The Victoria College, the region’s community college, provides academic transfer, career and technical and continuing education programs at affordable prices. “The city of Victoria is a nucleus for the region,” says Jennifer Yancey, vice president of college advancement and external affairs at The Victoria College. “Partnerships with the city and throughout the Golden Crescent allow The Victoria College to play a key role in ensuring a strong, educated and welltrained workforce.” Victoria’s central location is also a key attraction for companies looking to establish an East Texas presence. Positioned at the intersection of U.S. highways 59, 77 and 87, Victoria is widely known as the South Texas Crossroads. This prime locale combines with well-developed rail and port infrastructure and the Victoria Regional Airport to make the community ideal for industries that rely on efficient transportation avenues. “It’s always been the crossroads,” Vivian says. “The coast is right here, access to major metropolitan areas is right here. Industry is beginning to recognize that Victoria is in a really unique location.” Beyond industry or accessibility, though, Victoria is simply a pleasant place to live. It’s a place where people still unite to bring about positive change in the community, according to O.C. Garza, public information officer for the city of Victoria. “The quality of life in Victoria is unbeatable,” Garza says. “Victoria offers city living at a small-town pace. We offer the best of many worlds including a safe place to raise our children and a good business climate where anyone with expertise and hard work can be very successful.”

JEFF ADKINS

Victoria’s business appeal lies in its strong transit infrastructure and close proximity to four state metros. Right: The Victoria College offers workforce-enhancing programs.

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Lunchtime

Legend DELI REMAINS FAMILY-RUN MORE THAN 125 YEARS AFTER OPENING

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STORY BY MICHAELA JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY J. KYLE KEENER

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fter more than a century in the soup-and-sandwich business, it’s no surprise that Fossati’s Delicatessen serves as Victoria’s midday mainstay. Customers walking through the storied doorss can choose from classics such as chicken saladd and apple crisp, in addition to lasagna, chickenn he spaghetti soup and other dishes traced to the ho family’s Italian heritage. But it’s not just locals who keep the business bustling. use “We’ve had people from all over come because yatt, they’ve read about it,” says co-manager Cathy Wyatt, whose grandfather founded the restaurant after Y., in arriving in the United States via Ellis Island, N.Y., 1880. “We have a lot of pride in it.” :30, is The iconic deli, open weekdays from 11 to 2:30, the oldest in Texas, established in 1882 and movedd to its current location in 1895. Around 1910, it passedd from patriarch Fraschio “Frank” Napoleon Fossati to his oldest son. Caeton “Kite” Fossati managed the deli until retiring in the late 1960s, when he leased the business to operators outside the family. When the city council moved to tear down the deteriorating deli for a parking lot, though, the Fossati family decided it was time to reclaim their grandfather’s legacy. “We pooled our money and had the place renovated, and my sister and I decided we’d manage it,” Wyatt says. “We didn’t have any experience, but we decided we’d give it a go.” That was in 1987, and Wyatt and her twin sister, Therese Bomersbach, haven’t looked back. The first few years were challenging, and more than once it looked as though Fossati’s might not survive. But the sisters

Dining at the Deli? CHECK THE TIME – AND DAY – BEFORE YOU GO Fossati’s Delicatessen serves up hearty lunches, but it’s only open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Stop by during business hours for homemade soups, salads, sandwiches or even spaghetti at 302 S. Main St., or call in for delivery (in the downtown area) at (361) 576-3354.

learned a few lessons along the way, such as the importance of making the food themselves and how much customers enjoy delivery. “We have to work hard here, but whenever we get a little down, we think of my grandfather and my uncle, and we think, no matter what, we’re going to hang in there,” Bomersbach says. “It makes us feel good because we have people that come and tell us that they’re so glad that we’ve kept it going.” John Griffin, a Victoria attorney, is one of those people. He grew up in a nearby town and remembers visiting the restaurant on weekend nights with his parents to hear the live piano music. When Wyatt and Bomersbach took over the restaurant and opened it up to private dinner parties, Griffin began holding annual company functions there. “Our office has been having Christmas parties there for something like 20 years, because of the historic nature of the place, the long bar, the connection to our past,” Griffin says. “It’s an institution here in Victoria – one we can be proud of.” Fossati’s, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, holds bragging rights for numerous political meetings over the years and even a concert by Willie Nelson. On occasion, the deli still hosts live music on Friday nights. “It’s just become an important part of our heritage,” Wyatt says. “When people hear our last name, Fossati, they immediately think of this place because so many people have come here.”

Tracing its roots to 1882, Fossati’s Delicatessen in downtown Victoria is the oldest deli in Texas. Today, descendents of its founder run the restaurant, which is popular among locals for both daily lunches and private catered parties.

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Portfolio

A New Old Courthouse HISTORIC EDIFICE HAS RECEIVED HEFTY RENOVATIONS

J. KYLE KEENER

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he 116-year-old Victoria County Courthouse is a beautiful sandstone and limestone monument in downtown Victoria, a stately nod to the architecture and craftsmanship of days gone by. But after more than a century, this focal point of public pride was dilapidated and obsolete, having fallen into disrepair after years of negligence and shoddy renovations. In 1994, Victoria County partnered with Victoria Preservation Inc., the Victoria County Historical Commission, the Texas Historical Commission and various state and city officials to take on the mammoth task of restoring the courthouse to its original dignity. The courthouse, originally built in 1892, was erected during something of an architectural renaissance for Texas. State legislation allowed counties to pay for the construction of courthouses with bonds and an abundance of stonemasons who traveled to the area for work after the state capital burned. This combined effort created a period of prolific building artistry throughout the state between 1885 and 1915. “This courthouse presents our com-

munity’s thought of itself in stone,” says Gary Dunnam, director of Victoria County Heritage. “They wanted to be seen as the community that could build such an edifice as this. It is certainly grand, and that’s the way the people in power at the time wanted to be seen.” The courthouse’s newly restored presence impacted the entire community, whether an individual ever set foot in it or not. It was this commanding influence that caught the attention of those wanting to restore the modern Victoria County Courthouse. “It was very important that buildings give something back to the people that walked by them on the sidewalk,” Dunnam says. “They were beautiful, and they beautified the cityscape.” During the course of the $5.5 million renovation, workers tore out lowered ceilings, replaced plaster walls, repainted according to the original design and reopened a covered center atrium that had been filled in with offices. The result is a state-of-the-art facility that not only looks impressive but also respects the original intent of the famed architect, J. Riely Gordon.

The Victoria County Courthouse was used for its original role from 1883 to 1967. Since undergoing a major restoration, the building now offers tours.

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PHOTOS BY J. KYLE KEENER

Inspired by a few years in the Seattle area, Keith Moore and his family opened LongLeaf Coffee Co. to perk up the palates of java drinkers in Victoria.

Brewing the Northwest in Southeast Texas W

hen Victoria native Keith Moore moved his family from Seattle back to southeastern Texas in the mid1990s, everything felt just right – except his morning cup of coffee. Like so many Northwesterners, he’d been spoiled by the exceptional brews of the Pacific Region. So when he couldn’t find a cup that suited his fancy, he decided to make coffee for himself – and everyone else in Victoria. Thus LongLeaf Coffee Co. was born. In May 2007, they opened the doors of their shop on South Main Street in downtown Victoria. “The community has responded better than we could have imagined,” says Keith’s son Josh Moore, who serves as general manager of the business. “We have had a steady growth of customers since we opened last year, and I would attribute almost all of that growth to a very positive word of mouth.” The Moores renovated their 90-yearold building themselves, leaving original 32

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architecture such as the tin ceiling intact, and the crew is currently in the process of renovating the space next door to meet growing demand. “Our customers tell us that when they step through our doors they feel a sense of comfort, like this is a place they’ve been coming to their whole lives,” Moore says. The management philosophy behind LongLeaf is similar to a big corporation, says Moore: efficient training and stringent quality control. The company has recently set up an online store, and the Moores hope to open another location in Victoria sometime next year. But none of that changes the original mission of great coffee and hometown service. “We like to keep the feel of a small business by getting to know our customers and not treating them as if they are going through a fast food line,” Moore says. “After all, we are a momand-pop store.” VIC TO RIA

Portfolio Founded in 1976, The Texas Zoo in Riverside Park features two jaguar among its 200-animal population.

This Place Is Wild N

ot just any collection of animals earns the auspicious title of The National Zoo of Texas. But the Texas Zoo in Victoria’s Riverside Park is not just any old collection of animals. With a menagerie of more than 200 animals representing 75 species, the zoo has grown significantly since its 1976 foundation. Originally dedicated to native Texan animals, the zoo was honored by the state legislature in 1984 when it was proclaimed The National Zoo of Texas. Animals from around the globe have since found their way to the wildlife park, but the idea of the Texas Zoo as a defender of local species is still very much a part of its reputation. “I feel that we will always remain ingrained in the minds of many as Texas’ hometown zoo,� says Doug Hotle, executive director of the zoo. Drawing roughly 60,000 visitors a year, the zoo is heavily involved in the protection of endangered species. One of the first red wolves to have a litter of pups in captivity was at the Texas Zoo. “These actually returned to the wild,� Hotle says. “This was a real conservation success story. We are still very active in the red wolf program.� Above all, Hotle says, the Texas Zoo is dedicated to opening people’s eyes to the world of animals. “We offer a relaxing environment where our visitors can get up close and personal with some of the world’s most magnificent and sometimes misunderstood creatures,� he says. “It’s a place of both formal and informal learning, but most of all an experience, sometimes a life-changing experience, for everyone.� WATCH MORE ONLINE | Learn more about the inhabitants of the Texas Zoo in a quick video at imagesvictoria.com.

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A locally raised lawman, Victoria County Sheriff T. Michael O’Connor was first elected in 2004. He sees his job as a calling to protect the present residents of Victoria and to improve the quality of life for future generations as well.

Working for the Future S

heriff T. Michael O’Connor is a lawman through and through. Since he was a child, O’Connor has always tagged along with family friends in the police profession. He got his first job in a nearby county’s sheriff’s office before he even went to college. After a few years at Texas A&M, O’Connor returned to Victoria and began a dual career in his family’s ranching business and local law enforcement. As he became immersed in the community over the years, he began to notice patterns of crime that weren’t receiving attention from local officials. “I was raised in a family where we were taught that we are the stewards of not only our land but our community for not only our generation, but for generations to come, and I felt like someone needed to stand up and start making a change,” O’Connor recalls. 34

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“The only way that I could see fit … was to take the position on myself to get things done.” In 2004, O’Connor won his fellow Victorians’ vote of confidence when they elected him to office. Now, as sheriff of the county in which he is a fifth-generation resident, he feels a special sense of responsibility to enforce the law. O’Connor sees his office as something of a calling, he says. He believes that he’s working not only to protect the people who live in Victoria today, but also the generations of the future. “I didn’t want my children to come to me someday and say, ‘Dad, you had the wherewithal and the resources to do something. Why didn’t you?’” he says. “If anything, I want to at least set a legacy to those that come behind me to take it on and enhance it.” VIC TO RIA

Portfolio

The Outpouring of a Community

N

o one could ever accuse Victoria County residents of being a stingy bunch. Donations from the 2007 United Way fundraising campaign helped 21 community organizations in 2008. And raising money isn’t just about vetting wealthy donors, says Janet Lyon, executive director of the Victoria County United Way. Meeting local needs is a collective effort. “It’s not about asking a lot of people to give a lot of money,” Lyon says. “It’s an entire community-wide effort to sustain and try to meet the needs of the community as those needs grow. Our long-term goal is to bring positive change about in the community.” Roughly 75 percent of donations come from paycheck contributions of local employees, Lyon says. The whole community gets involved during the campaign, though, from individuals to businesses. Of the money United Way collects, 99 percent remains in Victoria County. “A lot of people don’t seem to be aware, or maybe convinced, all the time that the money stays local, but it does,” Lyon assures. Area fundraising efforts are approaching the $1 million mark, but in addition to donating cash, many Victorians sacrifice their time to raise money for worthwhile causes ranging from after-school care to substance abuse programs. “The real focus is just the involvement in the community,” Lyon says. “There is an incredible outpouring of volunteerism by people who will spend time.” The volunteers for the United Way number in the hundreds each year, including a board of 34 members. Area businesses often provide services such as technical support and practical supplies like furniture to the small United Way office to keep operating costs low. “It’s a strong reflection that this community has ownership of this organization and is taking care of their own,” Lyon says. – Stories by Michaela Jackson VIC TO RIA

Your Lot or Ours! Your Plan or Ours! During the past 20 years, Steve Klein has built more new homes on owners’ land in the surrounding area than any other new home builder. Let Kathy and Larry show you the difference a Steve Klein Home makes.

Kathy Cornelius

Larry Kocian

OFFICE HOURS 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Appointments Available Before and After Hours Upon Request

(361) 572-4101

Can you imagine … a world without children?

We Can’t. Call 1-800-996-4100 to help. www.stjude.org

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Business

Incredible

Infrastructure VICTORIA’S ECONOMY THRIVES THANKS TO PRIME LOCATION, WORKFORCE TRAINING

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STORY BY MICHAELA JACKSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J. KYLE KEENER

T

o say business is booming in Victoria would be an understatement. Though the city traces its industrial roots to a chemical business decades ago, several new industries have emerged, bringing financial backing and new jobs along with them. Victoria’s economy has become progressive to the tune of more than $1.3 billion in new investment and nearly 850 jobs created over the last two years – not even including almost $10.2 billion in investment and 800 new positions in the pipeline. Victoria now thrives on high-tech manufacturing and energy careers, drawing on its benefits, which include a central location, project-ready business park and skilled workforce. “We think we’re very well positioned, from a logistics perspective, to get to large markets with manufactured goods,” says Dale Fowler, president of the Victoria Economic Development Corporation. The city sits within two hours of Austin, Corpus Christi, Houston and San Antonio. The Lone Tree Business Park stands as a testament to the city’s aggressive campaign for industry growth. The 320-acre site is infrastructure-equipped and ready for construction to begin on projects. “Many communities have business parks that are nothing more than a pasture that infrastructure could be brought to. And this is a piece of property that’s ready to go,” Fowler says. “We believe it’s a resource that’s going to create many new jobs and new tax bases within the city.” On the workforce front, a strong partnership between the city and The Victoria College, a regional community college, emphasizes training so that employers in Victoria can be sure their applicant pool is of the highest, most advanced caliber. The results of excellent location, exceptional sites and world-class training have been evident in the city for years. INVISTA, the global player behind VIC TO RIA

such advanced fabrics as Lycra, Dacron and Thermolite, operates a long-time facility Victoria. The Wichita, Kan.based company has long bolstered the area’s economy by creating jobs and income, but their contribution goes far beyond numbers. INVISTA is also dedicated to responsible corporate citizenship, which is demonstrated through its commu nity involvement and high standards of environmental stewardship. A relative newcomer to the community, StarTek announced last year that it would locate a new facility in Victoria. The business process outsourcing firm opened its call center in 2008 with plans to hire as many as 650 people by the

time they are fully staffed in July 2009. Company officials named workforce education and dedication as primary factors in their decision. “StarTek chose Victoria, Texas, not only because of the incredible growth opportunity, in a community that is exploding with new commerce, but we also see the passion in its people to learn a new trade and the dedication to make the company successful,” says Michael King, site director for StarTek. The city is in the permitting process for an Exelon nuclear power facility, which could create hundreds of new jobs if completed. “Victoria’s truly at what I would consider a tipping point,” Fowler says.

“StarTek chose Victoria, Texas, not only because of the incredible growth opportunity … but we also see the passion in its people.”

The 320-acre Lone Tree Business Park, located within a state-designated enterprise zone, is ready for occupancy. Left: StarTek, a business process outsourcing services provider, opened a large call center in Victoria in 2008.

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Business | Biz Briefs

A TASTE OF TEXAS HOSPITALITY Originally opened in El Campo by brothers George and Tom Charkalis, Greek Bros. Oyster Bar & Grill expanded to Victoria and continues to be a thriving family business. This local favorite has been feeding and entertaining locals and visitors for more than 20 years, serving madefrom-scratch specialties that make your mouth water. “We’re well known as a steakhouse, and we hand cut all our meat,” says owner George Charkalis, but our customers also enjoy special dishes such as our Shrimp Cozumel and the spicy mushroom relish that is served with soft bread before your meal. Greek Bros. is also known for its celebrated housemade sauces and marinades. The restaurant is owned and operated by George and his wife, Blanche, with help from their son Matthew and his wife, Rachel. Greek Bros. is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday, and it also features live music nightly from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and late-night entertainment from Thursday to Saturday.

Above: Grilled chicken salad topped with Parmesan cheese is on the menu at Greek Bros. Oyster Bar & Grill’s Victoria location. Right: Fred Hornberger handles marketing at Atzenhoffer Chevrolet Cadillac Mazda Mitsubishi.

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A WEALTH OF SERVICES The largest locally owned and oldest independent bank in the state, First Victoria has spent the last 141 years gaining customer trust and loyalty. “At all levels – from shareholders to the back offices – we have a shared commitment to providing the best banking products and services available,” says Bertha McDowell, vice president of marketing. Established in 1867 to meet the needs of the growing community, the bank’s founder, John Milton Brownson, was committed to establishing a reliable banking system that would ensure the continued success of the rugged farm and ranch communities that were making their home in Victoria. Although the bank has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of its customers, its mission has remained the same: to provide excellent service to individuals and businesses and to support local growth. VIC TO RIA

PHOTOS BY J. KYLE KEENER

“We have generations of customers

Look, a tall purple rectangle!

dating back to 1926. We’re proud of that reputation and work very hard to treat customers well every day.”

Today, First Victoria offers 20 banking centers and provides a full range of resources, including personal and private banking, loans, trust and investments, insurance and many other financial services. DRIVEN BY CUSTOMERS Looking for a new car? Atzenhoffer Chevrolet Cadillac Mitsubishi Mazda offers up-front pricing, a low-key sales approach and personal attention that keep customers coming back. “We have generations of customers dating back to our beginnings in 1926,” says Fred Hornberger, marketing director. “We’re proud of that reputation and work very hard to treat customers well every day.” The dealership carries a large selection of new vehicles and a broad range of used VIC TO RIA

cars. Atzenhoffer backs up the sale and keeps customers on the road with its service department and factory-trained technicians. In fact, the dealership repairs all brands of vehicles and has a separate commercial truck service center. Customers can find the best aftermarket and performance accessories at the pro shop, which features everything from grille guards and bumpers, window tinting and paint protection to toolboxes, polishes and waxes. KEEPING INDUSTRY CLEAN Over the past 10 years, Victoria-based klean corp international (kci) has earned a solid reputation as one of the most respected industrial chemical cleaning companies, serving approximately 70 national and international corporations. And while much of kci’s focus is on

When you talk to your child you build vocabulary, so everyday moments become learning moments. For more tips, visit bornlearning.org.

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Business | Biz Briefs

keeping its clients in environmental compliance, its custom cleaning products have the added benefit of reducing downtime and increasing efficiency, improving the bottom line for clients in the manufacturing, power, petrochemical, marine and chemical industries. Klean corp designs, develops, tests and makes its own products and technology, alleviating the heavy equipment usually associated with industrial cleaning and replacing it with environmentally safe and biodegradable formulations. According to founder and president Robby Burdge, maintaining a squeaky clean reputation goes beyond doing good work. “We’ve been very successful and feel very blessed,� Burdge says. “Our employees are actively involved in giving back to this community – not only with financial support, but also with time and participation.� OLD NEWS IS GOOD NEWS The Victoria Advocate, the state’s second-oldest existing newspaper, first appeared in 1846 within six months of the annexation of Texas by the United States and, by 1897, was publishing a daily edition. John Stilwell Munn, editor in the 1880s, coined the city’s first and still-cherished epithet – City of Roses – to express civic pride in the town’s gardens. Many other illustrious and dedicated people have served as editor and publisher over the years, including senators, state representatives and lawyers, as well as John Linn, the first mayor of Victoria. The paper’s commitment to news delivery has made it an important part of the city’s growth and prosperity throughout the last 150-plus years. “We like to think of The Advocate as the fabric that hold this community together,� says current editor Chris Cobler. The Advocate features news, sports, entertainment, special reports and community activities. The paper also offers an online version that includes video segments, social networking and a special section for kids. – Ann Ewing VIC TO RIA

J. KYLE KEENER

The Victoria Advocate, the state’s second-oldest existing newspaper, was first published in 1846.

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Business | Chamber Report

Action-Packed Agenda MAJOR PROJECTS, INITIATIVES KEEP CHAMBER OFFICIALS, MEMBERS BUSY 24/7

VIC TO RIA

PHOTO COURTESY OF ON THE EDGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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ith an active and engaged membership, the Victoria Chamber of Commerce takes good care of business in town. And its activities don’t stop at the city limits. From partnerships with other local agencies to legislative activism that reaches all the way to Washington, D.C., the chamber works to make sure its members’ voices are heard no matter what the issue, says Randy Vivian, president and chief executive officer. “We’re an organization that cares about what’s going on in the community, and we want to have an influence over that not only at the local level, but at the state and national levels too,” Vivian says. “We’re able to do a lot there, talking to local and national legislators and getting into statewide issues that relate to the community and to the businesses here.” By building partnerships with other agencies and organizations throughout the region and state, the chamber is able to advocate for Victoria much more effectively. And with around 1,100 members and a strong ambassadors program, the chamber stays plenty visible on the home front even as it’s vying for new business and visitor traffic elsewhere. “We’re always partnering with other groups and organizations to help bring businesses to Victoria that will benefit everyone in the community,” he says. In addition to providing core economic development functions, the chamber also works with tourism officials and others to promote Victoria as a destination. “We have a great location, two hours away from three of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States – Houston, San Antonio and Austin,”

The Victoria Chamber of Commerce staff, from left to right: Christine Blain, director of special events; Randy Vivian, president and CEO; Cindy Smith, financial administrator; and Linda Chamrad, administrative assistant.

Vivian says. “We are uniquely positioned for people going to the coast or to the valley, and we have a very strong and unique history. We’re working on becoming a place where people come to see a lot of history and great architecture and arts, because we really have a lot to offer.” In the coming months, the chamber will be busy pushing for three major projects, each of which would change the face of Victoria significantly, and in combination could mean dramatic changes for the entire region. “International Power is in the permitting process for an additional plant at their Coleto Creek coal-firing plant, and that would mean 1,000 construction jobs,” Vivian says. “And then we’re working with the University of Houston to expand the Victoria campus down-

wards; currently we have only juniors, seniors and grad students, and we’d like to see freshmen and sophomores as well. Then we can be a regional destination for students and become a city that’s known for education.” The third project being closely watched is Exelon Corp.’s proposed nuclear plant, which would mean thousands of construction jobs as well as several hundred permanent positions. Still in the early proposal stages, Vivian says a decision on the project should come sometime in late 2009. “I’m fairly confident all three of these will come to fruition, and if so, then the things happening over the next few years in Victoria will be just incredible,” he says. “And we’re going to make sure that we’re ready.” – Joe Morris I M AG E S V I C T O R I A . C O M

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Business | Economic Profile

VICTORIA BUSINESS CLIMATE Industry has found a home in the mid-Texas Gulf Coast city of Victoria. A vibrant, diverse economy ensures that Victoria will be well-positioned for dynamic growth throughout the 21st century.

Victoria Economic Development Corporation 700 Main Center, Suite 104, Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 485-3190 (800) 765-8198 Victoria Chamber of Commerce 3404 N. Ben Wilson St. Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 573-5277 www.victoriachamber.org

TAXES

1.5% City Sales and Use Tax

0.5% County Sales Tax

6.25% State Sales Tax

2009 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS ECONOMIC OVERVIEW The region provides business and industry the transportation infrastructure, higher education, burgeoning retail trade sector and the divergent, hard-working labor force needed to succeed and prosper.

Joseph Capers, Chairman of the Board Jeff Lyon, Immediate Past Chair Mark Cooke, Chair Elect

Tim Michalski, Treasurer

Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission 568 Big Bend Drive (Regional Airport) Victoria, TX 77904 (361) 578-1587 www.gcrpc.org Texas Economic Development Council 1011 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 650 Austin, TX 78701 (512) 480-8432 www.texasedc.org

VIC TO RIA

1.8% Residential Property Tax

TRANSPORTATION

Nancy Garner

Katie Kucera Bob Moore Clara Prater

City of Victoria 101 W. Juan Linn St. Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 485-3040 www.victoriatx.org

Total Sales Tax

Lisa Hernandez, Secretary

Claud Jacobs

ECONOMIC RESOURCES

8.25%

Jeff Pryor Louis Rodriguez Tommy Tijerina Charles Wartsbaugh Lori Zamora

Victoria is often referred to as “The South Texas Crossroads.” Aptly designated due to its outstanding location on the convergence of several major highways, the well-planned regional transportation infrastructure offers a variety of choices in moving raw materials, finished products, and people in and out of Victoria.

MORE EO ON ONLINE imagesvictoria.com ictor More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

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Business | Economic Profile Ports Calhoun Port Authority P.O. Box 397 Point Comfort, TX 77978 (361) 987-2813 www.calhounport.com Port of Victoria 1934 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905 (361) 570-8855 (888) 290-2952 www.portofvictoria.com Airport Victoria Regional Airport 609 Foster Field Drive Victoria, TX (361) 578-2704 www.flyvictoriatx.com

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Rail Railroads play a vital role in the Golden Crescent region, and accessing markets by rail is right on track in Victoria. Union Pacific Railroad owns and operates all of the rail lines in Victoria County. Two other rail companies, Tex-Mex/Kansas City Southern and Burlington Northern Santa Fe, have track rights to operate on the UP lines.

Calhoun Port Authority is needed, the Point Comfort and Northern Railroad does connect with Union Pacific/ Southern Pacific rail lines.

Rail service is available for companies locating along the Victoria Barge Canal. If rail service to and from the

Victoria County Sheriff’s Office 101 N. Glass St. Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 575-0651

GOVERNMENT OFFICES Victoria County Clerk’s Office 115 N. Bridge St., # 103 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 575-1478

VIC TO RIA

Bridging the Gap

MERIDIAN TURNS IDEAS FOR REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS INTO REALITY

Living the Sweet Life VICTORIA’S NEW TUSCANY COMMUNITY BRINGS OLD WORLD CHARM TO TEXAS

Special Advertising Section

J. KYLE KEENER

Bridging the Gap

MERIDIAN TURNS IDEAS FOR REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS INTO REALITY

Life

for Victoria area builders and developers just got a whole lot easier, thanks to Meridian Marketing & Associates. Established in May 2008, Meridian works with builders and developers to help make their project ideas a reality by assisting with design, sales and marketing. “A lot of builders and developers do things by trial and error, so we recognized a need to consolidate sales, marketing and design of their ideas for them,” says Ashly Kubicek, chief executive officer of Meridian Marketing & Associates. “A builder or developer normally has separate agencies for sales and marketing and design, and that’s a variable expense for them. We’ve created a company that offers those services at a fixed cost, and we can offer a la carte services or the complete turnkey operation.” Meridian is the brainchild of Kubicek and her business

partner G. Page Brockman, who serves as chief financial officer of the company. A Victoria native, Kubicek brings established relationships with area professionals in the marketing, building and development arena to Meridian, as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience in the real estate sector. She is a realtor for RE/MAX Land & Homes and has served as a sales manager for Hogan Homes Inc. of Corpus Christi. Brockman also brings a wealth of experience to the company, having worked in real estate and financial services in Charlotte, N.C. for 15 years. He came to Texas in 2005 and spent three years with Waterfront Communities before partnering with Kubicek to form Meridian. “Victoria is a big little town, and we want to create and market uniquely designed development projects for Victorians,”

Meridian Marketing & Associates coordinates sales, marketing and design for Victoria area builders and developers. The company was founded in 2008 by Ashly Kubicek, left, chief executive officer, and G. Page Brockman, chief financial officer.

Special Advertising Section

Design. Concept. Marketing. Sales.

® Land & Homes

Kubicek says. “There are a lot of new projects available that we want Victoria to take advantage of. We want to introduce Victorians to the types of projects that already exist in bigger cities, such as mixed-use developments, to enable Victoria to grow and enjoy big-city amenities.” Meridian’s relationship with clients often begins before a development even exists and can last through the homebuilding and selling process. “Some people have ideas, but don’t know how to implement them,” Brockman explains. “A builder might have an idea for a neighborhood, and we would help by finding an appropriate piece of land and designing the roads, community and home sites to provide the most efficient use for that development. We can design the theme and marketing plan, and we’ll even list and sell their homes.” Thanks to Kubicek’s background in interior design, Meridian is also skilled at designing homes within the developments they serve. “My bachelor’s degree is in interior design,” she says, “so we can assist our clients in choosing interior finishes or architectural features of the home, and then work with architects on designing a truly functional floor plan.” Meridian’s current projects include the Tuscany Community on the north side of Victoria, the City of Victoria’s new housing development called Swan Crossing, a unique business park for small business owners and a variety of new concepts just reaching the development stage. Meridian also participates in El Grado tequila. El Grado is the newest line of fine tequila, scheduled to hit the market in March 2009. Celebrate your life with El Grado! This special section was created for Meridian Marketing & Associates by Journal Communications Inc.

CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

For more information, contact: Meridian Marketing & Associates 205 North Star Drive, Suite S Victoria, TX 77904 Phone: (361) 649-7257 • Fax: (361) 582-0999 www.meridianma.com ©Copyright 2008 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this special advertising section may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. On the cover: A custom home is built in Victoria, Texas. Meridian Marketing & Associates helps market and design local homes and businesses. Photo by Todd Bennett

Welcome Home to Victoria LOOK NO FURTHER THAN MERIDIAN TO FIND YOUR DREAM HOME

M

eridian Marketing & Associates doesn’t just serve builders and developers. The company is also a great resource for newcomers to the Victoria area who are searching for a place to call home. “We focus on the Victoria real estate market and surrounding areas, which include resort and waterfront developments,” says Ashly Kubicek, chief executive officer of Meridian Marketing & Associates and a licensed real estate agent with RE/MAX Land & Homes. Kubicek works out of the office on South Main Street in the heart of downtown Victoria. Her knowledge in new home sales management and her passion for real estate has proven beneficial for all of her clients. At the height of her career, she managed nine communities, 11 sales agents and more than $50 million in land and new home inventory. Kubicek’s understanding of construction, marketing, advertising, sales and relationship building is just the beginning of what makes Meridian so successful. “I became a realtor to assist people in realizing their dreams,” she says. “Whether it is a new home, ranch land, commercial property for their new business or resort property, I enjoy seeing people excited about the largest investment they may ever make. I am motivated to stay at the forefront of the ever changing real estate market.”

www.meridianma.com

Living Special Advertising Section

the

Sweet Life VICTORIA’S NEW TUSCANY COMMUNITY BRINGS OLD WORLD CHARM TO TEXAS

Ever

wondered what it would be like to live in the heart of a quaint European village? Wonder no more. Victoria’s new Tuscany community located just off Highway 77 on the north side of town is a residential development that’s bringing the romantic ambiance of Italy to Texas. Named for the nostalgic renaissance region of northwestern Italy that stretches from the Alps to the Mediterranean coast, Tuscany is being developed by Ball Airport Road Development, LLC of Corpus Christi. “The Tuscany community is located on 143 acres, and phase one will offer 90 home sites, including single family and garden homes,” says Page Brockman, chief financial officer for Meridian Marketing & Associates. “It will be adorned with limestone elements, homes will feature Tuscan architecture and streets will have Tuscan-style lighting. There will also be a beautiful landscaped entrance and an outdoor walking trail.” Meridian has been involved with the concept and design of Tuscany as well as the layout of home sites and architecture of homes. Meridian will also be coordinating marketing and sales efforts for the development, providing complete turnkey service for the developer. Construction began on the Tuscany community in fall 2008, and reservations are currently being taken for home sites.

“We’re offering a list of preferred builders to provide a custom look and the feel of beautiful Tuscany,” Brockman says. “There are unique floor plans as well.” Tuscany’s preferred builder program is comprised of some of South Texas’ premier custom homebuilders, which will provide an opportunity for uniquely designed homes. “Tuscany’s architectural review guidelines will enable the preferred builders to be creative while adhering to the overall aesthetics of the community,” says Ashly Kubicek, chief executive officer of Meridian Marketing & Associates. “Homeowners will enjoy being able to customize their homes to their needs while working with professional builders who will share their dream.” The timing of Tuscany is ideal, considering the fact there is no other community of its size currently under development in Victoria. “Newcomers have the choice of rural living, pre-owned homes or Tuscany,” Brockman says. “The community is uniquely positioned to take advantage of Victoria’s rapid growth.” One of the best things the Tuscany community has to offer is a leisurely lifestyle unlike any other in the region. “It will be family-friendly with a real community feel,” Brockman says. “It will be a neighborhood residents can take pride in.”

Families can feel right at home in Victoria’s new Tuscany community.

www.tuscanyvictoria.com

Park Centers

Business Many Getting Down to

PARK CENTERS INDUSTRIAL PARK PROVIDES QUALITY, COST-EFFECTIVE WORKSPACE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

small businesses have humble beginnings in home basements or garages, but they soon outgrow those small spaces. That’s where Park Centers industrial park comes in. Located on 10 acres on the southeast side of Victoria, Park Centers is a new industrial development that will feature between 18 and 22 custom metal buildings ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet each. The development is being designed for small business owners, such as welders, furniture makers or car repair centers. “We want to make it as easy as possible for the small business owner to take his or her company to the next level,” says Page Brockman, chief financial officer of Meridian Marketing & Associates,

which is marketing and selling the development. “The industrial park will provide small business owners and doit-yourselfers an opportunity to make the dream of moving their business a reality.” The idea for Park Centers was conceived when Meridian recognized the high demand for shops or buildings among small business owners. “One of our business partners had a metal building just outside of town, and when he outgrew the space, he listed the property in the paper and received over 25 legitimate calls inquiring about it,” Brockman explains. “Most of the wouldbe buyers expressed that they had been looking for a shop to open or move their small business into. He sold the property

quickly and relayed the experience to us, and we came up with the idea for Park Centers together.” This project is unique to Victoria in that it creates an opportunity for existing businesses to expand and build a custom building to suit their growing needs. Meridian will develop relationships with metal building contractors to establish options for individual owners. Buildings will be constructed using the latest technology available and built to withstand 120-plus miles per hour winds. City water and sewer will be available, and concrete pads are included in the building and lot cost. For more information, contact RE/ MAX Land & Homes agent Ashly Kubicek at (361) 649-7257.

Park Centers is being developed specifically for small business owners who desire a custom-designed business space.

Special Advertising Section

Te x a s C o a s t al Livin g

Come Home to the Coast PHOTO BY KORCZYNSKI’S OF VICTORIA, TX

FIND A PEACEFUL PLACE OF YOUR OWN ALONG THE TEXAS GULF

Gorgeous views and serene atmospheres await those who are interested in owning a home along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Picture

a place where bay breezes sway the branches of tall palm trees, the Texas gulf glistens under a dazzling orange sunset and seagulls fly overhead. This isn’t your next vacation destination – it’s your new waterfront home along the sunny Coastal Bend of Texas. “The Texas Coast is peaceful and full of nature,” says Ashly Kubicek, chief executive officer of Meridian Marketing & Associates. “It’s a great place to relax and get away from the big city. These communities are a wonderful place for people to retire or to retreat for the weekend and experience the beauty of the Texas Coast.” The communities vary in size, architecture and amenities. The perfect community exists for you, whether it is boating, fishing or just relaxing. Some feature luxury marinas and condominiums, while others offer waterfront, water view and canal lots designed for people seeking their own private Gulf Coast retreat. “We are accepting reservations for projects in the design phase and contracts on some of the newest developments,” Kubicek says. “Construction along the Texas Coast has already begun.” The location of all of the communities couldn’t be better, as it offers easy access to Texas’ finest fishing, hunting and birding opportunities. “The communities are directly located on numerous bays,

which have some of the greatest saltwater fishing on the Texas Gulf Coast, and you can be offshore in the Gulf of Mexico in about an hour,” Brockman says. “Most communities are centrally located on the Gulf Coast within two and half hours of three of the 15 largest metropolitan cities in the United States.” Additional amenities include boat slips accommodating boats up to 50 feet long, mechanical lifts, electricity and water for each slip, courtesy day slips for guests, resort style clubhouses with ample parking, sparkling freshwater swimming pools, and magnificent views of the bays. The homes and condominiums will range from Gulf Coast Vernacular-style architecture with HardiPlank siding and metal roofs, to Spanish-Mediterranean style with stone and stucco and clay tile roofs. “Meridian specializes in marketing resort projects,” Brockman says. “We have many years of experience in waterfront marketing, sales and management and are able to provide unique insight to those interested in living on the Texas Gulf Coast. Our knowledge of the area and the excitement surrounding numerous projects on the coast add tremendous value to what we do for our clients.” For more information on Texas Coastal living, call (361) 649-7257 for Kubicek or (361) 220-1110 for Brockman. You can also visit www.meridianma.com. – Stories by Jessica Mozo

www.meridianma.com

Image Gallery |

PHOTOGRAPHY BY J. KYLE KEENER

A plaque on the floor of the historic gazebo in DeLe贸n Plaza

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Image Gallery

Firing Line by Pompeo Coppini, c. 1912

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY J. KYLE KEENER

Victoria Memorial Rose Garden at Riverside Park

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Image Gallery

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY J. KYLE KEENER

A crane at Coleto Creek Reservoir

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Education

Building a Brighter Future DISTRICT BEGINS $159 MILLION SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION

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PHOTOS BY J. KYLE KEENER

ith the shovels turned on two new elementary schools, and more construction, renovation and additions planned for the entire system, it’s anything but the same old thing in the Victoria Independent School District. Following voter approval of a $159 million bond, the system has been systematically putting into place an ambitious building program that, when completed, will have put up five new schools – two elementary, one middle and two high schools. The Victoria ISD also

Renderings depict, from top to bottom, one of two high schools, one of two elementary schools and the middle school currently under construction in the Victoria ISD.

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is embarking on major improvements on all campuses and will convert Memorial High School into a special events facility that will include a natatorium and auditorium. With an enrollment of around 13,700 students and growing each year, the building program can’t come too soon, says superintendent Bob Moore, who was point man for the bond campaign and is working to ensure smooth progress during the various stages of construction and renovation throughout the district. For Moore, the influx of funds means making a good district even better, first through smaller populations at each school, and then through flexibility across the system. “The new elementaries are scheduled to open in 2009, then the middle school and high schools in 2010,” Moore says. “And then we’ll be able to reduce the size of our elementary schools from 600 to around 450 students, our junior highs from around 1,100 students down to 700 and, maybe most importantly, our high school population down to 1,700 or so instead of 3,600. That’s what the community supported in the campaign, and that’s what we’re going to do.” Flexibility was the watchword of the bond campaign, and by that Moore says the district plans to utilize its new campuses to create smaller learning communities within each of the schools, an approach with proven results in other systems around the country. “We were told quite clearly by parents and students that they didn’t like these big schools and didn’t think they were conducive to learning,” Moore says. “They were right, and so now we’re going to build our new schools, then selectively go through and look at the buildings we have left to see how we can best utilize them.” Some facilities will remain unchanged, such as the advanced academic center and early college programs at Memorial-Stroman, the district’s ninth-grade campus, while others, such as Memorial High, will be almost unrecognizable after the dust settles. The Memorial campus will be the site of an indoor swimming pool complex and a multipurpose auditorium that both the district and the community-at-large will be able to use. The school itself may be converted to general-purpose office space for community agencies, but that’s yet to be determined. Whatever happens, this component of the overall improvement package is creating the most buzz around town – in a good way. “There’s more excitement around the idea of the natatorium and performing art auditorium than just about anything else,” Moore says. “We don’t really have a large auditorium in this community, and this is something that the community really wants.” – Joe Morris VIC TO RIA

Students of Nazareth Academy, a K-8 school, come out of morning Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in downtown Victoria.

On the College Track VICTORIA’S PRIVATE SCHOOLS OFFER TOP ACADEMICS, ATHLETICS

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ith nearly all of its graduates headed to college, St. Joseph’s High School is a well-respected final stop for Victoria’s excellent private-school system. Four lower-grade schools – Our Lady of Victory, Nazareth Academy, Trinity Episcopal School and Our Lady of the Gulf in nearby Port Lavaca – all feed into St. Joseph’s, which is the largest Catholic private school in town, dating back to 1868. The 413-student school handles grades nine through 12, and the administration likes to take a look at each and every applicant, says Bill McArdle, president and principal. “We’re not an exclusive school in terms of enrollment or the students that enter the door,” McArdle says. “We’re very open in our enrollment here, and at the end of four years, 98 percent of 100 percent of those kids are being accepted into college.” St. Joseph’s went co-ed in the 1970s after the Brothers of Mary turned it over to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, and nearby Nazareth became a K-8 facility. The school also does very well in the scholarship sweepstakes. “We receive somewhere between $1.5 million and $2.5 million in scholarships, and we traditionally lead the area in National Merit scholars,” McArdle says. The school also does well on the athletic front, recently opening the O’Connor Athletic Complex, with four softball and two football/soccer fields, about a mile from campus. – Joe Morris

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Sports & Recreation

Region Lures Anglers, Hunters OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTDOORSMEN ABOUND IN THE AREA

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word of advice to outdoor enthusiasts: When exploring Victoria, don’t forget your fishing tackle and hunting gear. There are loads of opportunities to fish and hunt in the region, thanks to local rivers and lakes as well as an abundance of wild game. “Victoria is a good all-around area for hunting and fishing,” says Travis Haug, game warden for Texas Parks &

Wildlife. “There’s a lot of fresh and saltwater fishing available. We’ve got catfish, bass, striper and crappie. The best fishing is at Coleto Creek Reservoir and Lake Texana. A lot of people fish at Saxet Lake, too.” Coleto Creek Reservoir is located in the Guadalupe River Basin, 15 miles southwest of Victoria off U.S. Highway 59. The 3,100-acre reservoir is known for its abundance of largemouth bass,

and reports of 5- to 8-pound fish are not uncommon. Hybrid striped bass, white bass, crappie, and blue, channel and flathead catfish are also common catches in the reservoir, which is popular not only with anglers but also among water sports enthusiasts. “You can go waterskiing, boating or jet skiing there,” Haug says. “I’ve seen people parasail at Coleto Creek, too.” Lake Texana also provides excellent

The Victoria area offers a variety of lakes popular among fishermen. They include Lake Texana, Saxet Lake and the Coleto Creek Reservoir, which is located in the Guadalupe River Basin southwest of the city. PHOTO BY BRIAN MCCORD

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angling opportunities at its location about 30 miles northeast of Victoria on U.S. Highway 59. The lake contains large floating beds of water hyacinth and other aquatic vegetation, which provide great habitats for sport-fish species such as largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish and more. More places to fish can be found around an hour from Victoria in several bays along the Texas Gulf Coast. Hunting in the Victoria region is mostly for white-tailed deer, squirrel, turkey, quail, duck and dove. “Victoria hunting areas are private property, so you need to get permission from the landowner to hunt on the property,� Haug says. “But there are a lot of opportunities to hunt if you get to know the landowners.� Adventurous hunters can embark on exotic hunting expeditions with the help of local guide services. All Seasons Guide Service LLC in Victoria has access to more than 70,000 acres of managed ranches and hunts more than 40 different species, including aoudad, black buck, ram and addax. Owner Mike Powell has been hunting in the region for 30 years and also leads safaris in South Africa and Zimbabwe. “Southern Victoria County has good quality white-tailed deer, and a lot of them,� Powell says. “We do most of our exotic hunting in the Texas Hill Country. Trophy quality animals are harder to find, but all the exotic animals make the record books.� Powell leads hunting expeditions daily and employs six full-time guides in the winter to keep up with demand. “Hunters come here from all over the U.S. and even other countries. We get a lot of people from the East Coast and the West Coast,� he says. “White-tailed deer hunting is the biggest item, and mule deer are really popular too. We also offer great dove hunting opportunities from September through November.� – Jessica Mozo VIC TO RIA

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Arts & Culture

The Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts illuminates North Main Street with its neon lights. The Art Deco style building serves as the arts anchor for the city, hosting theater, ballet and musical performances.

Venue Takes Center Stage PREMIER PERFORMING ARTS FACILITY PLEASES REGIONAL AUDIENCE

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he excitement of attending an event at the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts is evident before visitors even step foot inside the building. Just catching a glimpse of its neon-lit façade on North Main Street in downtown Victoria takes one’s breath away. “I call [the architectural style] ‘Retro Art Deco,’” says Scott Mohon, executive director of Theatre Victoria, the resident theater company that operates the Welder Center. “The building used to be a department store, but it was remodeled and completed in January 2004. We are so lucky to be here, right in the heart of the community.” Inside, the stately Dr. Charles and Mary Katherine Borchers Performance Hall seats 476. The semi-thrust stage

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features a 40-foot proscenium arch and an 18-foot apron. The theater is a “full-fly house,” Mohon says, which allows scenery changes by means of ropes and pulleys that “fly” set pieces on and off stage. Dressing rooms and a green room are located backstage, and concessions – including beer and wine – are available in the lobby. Additionally, the multi-purpose facility, which is available for rental, boasts a 2,000-square-foot rehearsal studio that also is suitable for meetings and receptions. With its state-of-the-art amenities and intimate, small-town vibe, the Welder Center is fast becoming a South Texas performing arts destination. But it wouldn’t be happening without

the high-quality programming of the nonprofit Theatre Victoria. “We are both a performing and a presenting group,” Mohon explains. “We put on five productions per season – two full-scale musicals with casts of up to 50 people and three plays. And this year [2008-2009], we put on three outside shows. By next year, we hope to present five or six outside shows.” As a community theater organization, Theatre Victoria’s auditions are open to all comers. The community’s first-rate amateur actors have been joined by the likes of Tony Award-nominated theater, film and television actress and Texas native Kimberly Scott. “We have very talented people here – as talented as people I’ve worked with on Broadway,” Mohon says. VIC TO RIA

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Furthermore, Theatre Victoria’s School of Performing Arts ensures the city will have a pool of talented actors for years to come. More than 100 students, ages 4 through 18, attended the “very intense, very successful� 2008 Triple Threat Theatre Summer Camp, where participants learn singing, dancing and acting – the triple threat – as well as technical aspects of theater. During the school year, the group conducts similar classes in two 10-week sessions of Acting Academy. The Victoria Ballet Theatre and the Victoria Bach Festival also hold performances at the Welder Center. Visit www.theatrevictoria.org to see a calendar of upcoming events and purchase tickets. – Carol Cowan VIC TO RIA

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Health & Wellness

Hospitals With Heart TWO HEALTH-CARE SYSTEMS PROVIDE SPECIALIZED SERVICES TO RESIDENTS

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PHOTOS BY J. KYLE KEENER

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here’s no question Victoria has a long list of assets, and perhaps one of the most valuable is easy access to high-quality health care. The area is served by not one but two major health-care providers – Citizens Medical Center and the DeTar Healthcare System – both of which are known for their excellent cardiac care. “Our heart program is incredible. We have a 64-slice CT scanner and four cardiologists on staff to take care of our patients,” says Shannon Spree, marketing coordinator for Citizens Medical Center. “And our cath labs have the latest technology with superb pictures. We did the first open-heart surgery in the region in 1971, and we’ve always prided ourselves in having a great cardiac program.” Citizens Medical Center is a 344-bed regional hospital that serves seven counties. In 2009, the hospital plans to expand by adding 80 more beds and 328,000 square feet. “We’re going to expand our ER and improve our day surgery unit,” Spree says. “It’s going to be huge. We have a lot of expansion plans, including adding an educational auditorium for continuing education classes for our staff as well as community education courses.” In addition to cardiology, Citizens has specialty centers for bariatrics, cancer and women’s health. “We have the only accredited cancer program and chest pain center in the area,” Spree says. “And our women’s diagnostic center offers the only breast MRI procedure in the area. We’re very in touch with women’s needs, and we’re always looking for new technology to fight breast cancer.” Arthritis sufferers find relief at Citizens HealthPlex, an award-winning rehabilitation and wellness facility with a warm therapy pool, indoor track and exercise equipment. The DeTar Healthcare System began as a 10-bed hospital in 1925 and has grown into a two-hospital system serving more than 22,000 patients per month. DeTar Hospital North is home to the

The 193-bed DeTar Hospital Navarro is operated by the DeTar Healthcare System, as is DeTar Hospital North across town. Top: The 344-bed Citizens Medical Center has more than 200 physicians representing 34 specialties.

Women & Children’s Center, which delivers more than 125 babies each month and features a Level 2 neonatal intensive care unit. The same facility also has a Level 4 trauma center and a breast center that includes digital mammography, scintimammography and stereotactic breast biopsy. Across town at DeTar Hospital Navarro, Victoria’s first Lead-Level 3 trauma center offers a full-service cardiac care program as well as the area’s only certified stroke center. The 193-bed DeTar Hospital Navarro is an acute care hospital that also

provides orthopedic surgery and a colon cancer screening center. “In addition to providing quality care to our community, we also offer incredible economic benefits to the area, including employment and tax revenue,” says William R. Blanchard, chief executive of the DeTar Healthcare System. “Last year alone, DeTar Healthcare System provided $2.4 million in total economic benefit to our community. DeTar is a great community asset – a place that lets people get the care they need right here at home.” – Jessica Mozo I M AG E S V I C T O R I A . C O M

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Community Profile

VICTORIA SNAPSHOT Nestled beside the meandering Guadalupe River, Victoria is a splendid blend of the past, the present and the future. Proud old homes, some dating back to the pre-Civil War era, line the streets in the city’s historic sections. In downtown Victoria, stately turn-ofthe-century buildings have been rebuilt and now house professional offices. And for a community of its size, Victoria boasts an extraordinary number of cultural activities. From Theatre Victoria to the ballet to the symphony, Victoria is in a league all its own.

EDUCATION School Districts Bloomington Independent School District 2875 FM 616 Victoria, TX 77951 www.bisd-tx.org Victoria Independent School District 102 Profit Drive Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 576-3131 www.visd.com

HOUSING

$96,700 Average Home Price

Bloomington Junior High School P.O. Box 158 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 897-2260 Coleto Creek School P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 788-9920 Crain Middle School P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 573-7453

Aloe Elementary School P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 788-9509

Dudley Elementary Magnet School P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 788-9517

DeTar Hospital Navarro 506 E. San Antonio St. Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 575-7441

Bloomington Elementary School P.O. Box 668 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 897-1121

F.W. Gross Montessori Magnet School P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 788-9500

DeTar Hospital North 101 Medical Drive Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 573-6100

Bloomington High School P.O. Box 158 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 897-1551

Guadalupe Elementary School P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 788-9906

MEDICAL FACILITIES Citizens Medical Center 2701 Hospital Drive Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 573-9181

Educational Facilities

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Looking for ways to save money on gas and help the environment? The EPA wants to share some smart driving tips that could give you more miles per gallon of gas and reduce air pollution. Tips like making sure your tires are properly inflated and replacing your air filter regularly. And where possible, accelerate and brake slowly. Be aware of your speed ... did you know that for every 5 miles you go over 65 mph, you’re spending about 20 cents more per gallon of gas? If you’re shopping for a new car, choose the cleanest, most efficient vehicle that meets your needs. If we each adopt just one of these tips, we’d get more miles for our money and it would be a little easier to smell the flowers. For more tips and to compare cleaner, more efficient vehicles, visit

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Community Profile Hopkins Magnet Academy P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 788-9527 Howell Middle School P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 578-1561 Juan Linn Math and Science Magnet School P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 788-9600 Martin De Leon Elementary School P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 788-9553 Nazareth Academy 206 W. Convent St. Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 573-6651 O’Connor Elementary Magnet School P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 788-9572 Our Lady of Victory 1311 E. Mesquite Victoria, TX 11901 (361) 575-5391 Patti Welder Magnet Middle School P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 575-4553

Trinity Episcopal School 1504 N. Moody St. Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 573-3220

MEDIA OUTLETS The Victoria Advocate (361) 575-1451

CLIMATE

Revista Newspaper (361) 578-9686

40.1 inches

KIXS 108, www.kixs.com

Average Annual Precipitation

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43.6 F

KQVT Q-92, www.kqvt.com

January Low Temperature

KRNX 1340, (361) 576-1100

63 F

KTMR 1130, (361) 655-1681 KVIC 95, (361) 576-6111

January High Temperature

KXBJ 89.3, (361) 574-8936

77 F

KEPG 100.9, (361) 576-6111

July Low Temperature

93.4 F July High Temperature

Get the facts: imagesvictoria.com

KITE 93.3, (361) 576-6111 KAVU-TV ABC Affiliate (361) 575-2500 KMOL-LP NBC Affiliate (361) 575-2500 KVCT-TV Fox Affiliate (361) 575-2500

MORE EO ON ONLINE imagesvictoria.com ctor More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

Placedo Elementary School P.O. Box 156 Victoria, TX 77977 Profit Magnet High School P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 788-9650 Presbyterian Day School 2408 N. Navarro St. Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 575-1551 Smith Elementary Magnet P.O. Box 1759 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 788-9605 St. Joseph High School 110 E. Red River St. Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 573-2446

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victoria Senior Editor Jessy Yancey Copy Editor Joyce Caruthers Associate Editor Lisa Battles Online content manager Matt Bigelow Staff Writers Carol cowan, Kevin Litwin Contributing writers Ann Ewing, Michaela Jackson, Joe Morris, Jessica Mozo Data manager ranetta smith Regional Sales Manager charles fitzgibbon Integrated Media Manager Blake Pettit sales support manager sara sartin senior photographer Brian M cCord Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian curcio, J. Kyle Keener photography assistant anne whitlow creative director Keith Harris Web Development director Brian Smith Production Director Natasha Lorens asst. Production Director Christina Carden pre-press coordinator Hazel Risner Production project managers Melissa bracewell, katie middendorf, Jill Wyatt senior graphic designers Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Candice sweet, vikki williams lead designer erica hines Graphic Design Alison Hunter, Jessica Manner, Janine Maryland, Amy nelson, Marcus Snyder web project managers Andy Hartley, Yamel Ruiz web Design Ryan dunlap, CArl Schulz web production jennifer graves color imaging technician Twila allen Ad Traffic Marcia Millar, Sarah Miller, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen sr. V.P./client development Jeff Heefner Sr. V.P./SALES Carla H. thurman SR. V.P./operations casey E. hester V.P./Sales Herb Harper V.P./Sales Todd potter V.P./visual content Mark Forester V.P./travel publishing Sybil Stewart V.P./editorial director Teree caruthers managing editors/business maurice fliess, Bill mcmeekin managing editor/community kim madlom managing editor/custom kim newsom managing editor/travel susan chappell Photography director Jeffrey s. Otto controller Chris Dudley Accounting moriah domby, Richie Fitzpatrick, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens recruiting/Training director Suzy Waldrip community promotion director Cindy comperry Distribution DIRECTOR Gary Smith information technology director yancey turturice network administrator james scollard It service technician ryan sweeney human resources manager Peggy Blake custom/travel sales support Rachael Goldsberry sales/Marketing coordinator Rachel Matheis Executive Secretary/Sales Support Kristy Duncan office manager Shelly Grissom

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Images Victoria is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Victoria Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com. For more information, contact: Victoria Chamber of Commerce 3404 N. Ben Wilson St. • Victoria, Texas 77901 Phone: (361) 573-5277 • Fax: (361) 573-5911 www.victoriachamber.org Visit Images Victoria online at imagesvictoria.com ŠCopyright 2008 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member

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vic to ria

Ad Index 6 0 3G P R E M I U M S U P P LY 8 B L A N TO N B U I L D E R S I N C . 6 1 C H I L D R E N ’ S D I S COV E RY M U S EU M O F T H E GOLDEN CRESCENT C 4 C ITIZE N S M E D I C A L C E N T E R 41 CO M P U T E R CO M M A N D CO R P O R ATI O N 1 D E TA R H E A LT H C A R E SYS T E M

3 3 G R EG S P E A R S R E A LT Y 58 GULF BEND CENTER 4 H E A LT H FO RC E 4 4 H O M E WO O D R E S I D E N C E 4 4 I N V I S TA 42 K A R E N G I B S O N 3 5 L A N D M A R K R E S I D E NTIA L CO N S T R U C TI O N LT D 57 LO N E S TA R I N N & S U ITE S

57 D O ROT H Y H . O ’CO N N O R P E T A D O P TI O N C E N T E R

A1 M E R I D I A N M A R K E TI N G & A S S O C I AT E S

55 EASLEY INSURANCE 5 5 S T. J OS E P H H I G H S C H O O L 6 0 E DWA R D J O N E S 5 8 S U M B E R A & R I V E R A D E N TA L 32 FI R S T V I C TO R I A 1 2 FROS T I N S U R A N C E 40 GBRA

4 0 T H E D OW C H E M I C A L CO M PA N Y 13 T H E AT R E V I C TO R I A

Ad Index (cont.)

6 To r i n Ba l e s Fi n e J e w e l ry

1 1 T r i n it y Ep i s co pa l S c h o o l

C 3 T w i n Fo u n ta i n s Wa l k- I n C li n i c

6 0 U n i v e r s it y o f H o u s to n – V i c to r i a & T h e V i c to r i a Co l l eg e

6 0 V i c to r i a A dvo c at e

6 0 V i c to r i a B lu e P r i n t Co m pa n y I n c .

1 0 V i c to r i a Co m m u n i c ati o n S e rv i c e s

3 4 V i c to r i a I n d e p e n d e n t S c h o o l D i s t r i c t

5 3 W e l l s Fa r g o Ba n k

2 Wo o l s o n R e a l Es tat e Co m pa n y I n c .

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